Become a Successful Freelance Writer or Editor
The Renegade Writers have written a thought-provoking post on 6 Ways to Kick the Freelance Fear. What is it that holds so many writers and editors in Pepto-Bismol jobs? Usually it’s the fear of financial pain, or a simple lack of confidence in their ability to get a freelance business off the ground. These six tips from the Renegade Writers may be just the thing to get you moving!
My personal tip for dealing with the fear of financial pain or lack of confidence in your ability to support yourself as a freelancer is to start your business while you’re still employed (as long as doing so isn’t ruled out by your employment contract).
If you have the self-discipline to moonlight, and you establish a strong network of contacts and clients, you’ll feel much more confident about taking the freelance plunge. Needless to say, moonlighting must be done ethically, without violating employment agreements or poaching client lists. You can’t be successful in anything without a foundation of integrity.
Freelance writing and editing can be a wonderful way of life, as long as you remember that it’s a business. Take the time to learn about marketing, as well as about the craft of writing. Learn to use networking, just as you learn to use the possessive apostrophe. If you focus on maintaining a balance between the joy of practicing your craft and the demands of running a business, you can be successful as an independent writer or editor!
